Sale Sharks’ plans for a new stadium have split opinion.
The rugby union side announced their intention to return to their home for the first time in almost 20 years on Thursday, June 11.
There are plans for a new community sports village at Crossford Bridge playing fields in Sale.
A planning application has not yet been submitted.
The company behind the move, Crossford Futures, says it will work with community groups and sports clubs currently using the fields to find a solution that works for everyone.
Trafford council leader Coun Andrew Western said the plans were ‘potentially exciting’.
MPs Sir Graham Brady and Mike Kane, whose constituencies cover parts of Sale, are in favour of the proposals.
Sir Graham Brady said: “Sale Sharks are an important part of the town’s heritage and a return to playing in Sale would be great news.”
Mr Kane said: “Any facility would greatly enhance the local economy.”
But Sale Harriers Athletics Club, which uses the fields, is against the plans.
Club secretary Frank Cordingley said: “To say we are disappointed by the news is an understatement.”
The Crossford Bridge Management Association (CBMA) and its members – Sale Harriers, Sale United Football Club and Old Altrinchamians Football Club – issued a statement on the proposals.
It reads: “We are open to hearing and discussing the detailed plans and proposals of Sale Sharks, which we must stress has not happened to date, but it is essential we do not lose the current facilities and green space.”
An online petition against the proposals garnered more than 1,100 signatures overnight.
Graham Young from Crossford Futures said: “We completely understand the initial concerns of residents and the community clubs.
“We would like to give complete assurance that no proposals would be put forward that would leave the clubs involved without better facilities.
“This is about building back better. The vision is to create a multi-sports hub that can have a positive impact on the local community now and for future generations.”
A two-stage public consultation on the plans is due to begin from June 22 and go on until July 13.
Mr Young added: “There will then be the opportunity to give feedback on more detailed plans later this year if a positive solution for the residents and community clubs is found. Only following this will a planning application be considered.”
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